What is Hermes 2.0 ransomware?
Hermes 2.0 ransomware – is a dangerous virus from Hermes ransomware family, that is able to encrypt all the important files like documents, photos, videos. Cyber criminals “offer” to buy their decryption. The scheme is very typical and common for ransomware viruses. First Hermes 2.0 infiltrates your system, then starts encrypting procedure with AES-256 + RSA encryption algorithm. This ransomware adds .hermes file extension to the name of all the encrypted data. For example, graphics.doc file turns into graphics.doc.hermes file. In this article you can learn how to remove Hermes 2.0 ransomware and decrypt .hermes files.
Once data on your computer is encrypted, Hermes 2.0 will drop DECRYPT_INFO.txt and DECRYPT_INFORMATION.html ransom notes. You can find demands and instruction on how to pay the ransom for decryption key in these files. Here is the note:
HERMES RANSOMWARE
All your important files are encrypted
Your files has been encrypted using RSA2048 algorithm with unique public-key stored on your PC.
There is only one way to get your files back: contact with us, pay, and get decryptor software.
You have “UNIQUE_ID_DO_NOT_REMOVE” file on your desktop also it duplicated in some folders, its your unique idkey, attach it to letter when contact with us. Also you can decrypt 3 files for test.
We accept Bitcoin, you can find exchangers on xxxxs://www.bitcoin.com/buy-bitcoin and others.
Contact information:
primary email: BM-2cXfK4B5W9nvci7dYxUhuHYZSmJZ9zibwH@bitmessage.ch
reserve email: x2486@india.com
Hermes 2.0 is a typical ransomware, its main purpose is to force you to pay these cyber criminals. They want you to pay ransom cost. Once you’ve done payment, they are supposed to send you decryption key. But you should know that cyber criminals are not going to give you a decryption key. Mostly they are just ignoring their victims. That’s why there is no need to contact them, it wouldn’t help. Still, Hermes 2.0 ransomware does very complicated encryption, but it does not damage, move or delete your files, which means you have chance to restore your personal data.
How to remove Hermes 2.0 from your computer?
Unfortunately, there are no possible ways to remove Hermes 2.0 ransomware manually, because the infection goes too deep into your system. You can remove the virus only with automatic removal tools. You may try to use SpyHunter to clean your system from Hermes 2.0 ransomware.
SpyHunter provides an opportunity to remove 1 detected malware for free during trial period. The full version of the program costs $39,99 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
How to decrypt files encrypted by Hermes 2.0?
Once you’ve removed virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Decrypt files with automated decryption tools
Unfortunately, due to novelty of Hermes 2.0 ransomware, there are no available automatic decryptors for this virus yet. Still, there is no need to invest in malicious scheme by paying ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
Decrypt files manually
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Recover data with Data Recovery
- Download and install Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
The download is an evaluation version for recovering files. To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
Restore data with Windows Previous Versions
This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7 and later versions. Windows saves copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take following steps:
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore the system with System Restore
You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to protect PC from Hermes 2.0?
It’s pretty difficult task to get rid of any ransomware, including Hermes 2.0. But you can easily prevent any infection of your PC. HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard can help you with this problem. It’s one of the best anti-ransomware applications. No matter how sneaky it is, HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard will stop Hermes 2.0 infiltration to your system. After detection, this program removes all the related to the ransomware data and prevents your file from being encrypted.